Cross-Kilcoo cracker proves draw of winter football

A crowd of 9,670 attended the Crossmaglen Rangers-Kilcoo AIB Ulster club football quarter-final replay in the Athletic Grounds last Sunday – proving yet again that, if a pairing is sufficiently appealing, the GAA public will respond, irrespective of the time of year.

A crowd of 9,670 attended the Crossmaglen Rangers-Kilcoo AIB Ulster club football quarter-final replay in the Athletic Grounds last Sunday – proving yet again that, if a pairing is sufficiently appealing, the GAA public will respond, irrespective of the time of year.

It was the third clash between the clubs in 11 months and, while the previous two had a whiff of sulphur around them, thus adding to the interest, they also produced good entertainment – as indeed did last Sunday's tie, which went to extra-time for a second successive week.

The Down champions eventually prevailed after 160 minutes over two games but anyone who sees this as the end of Cross doesn't comprehend the spirit of that remarkable club.

That almost 10,000 spectators turned out for an Ulster quarter-final shows the scope of a market which is not being fully exploited at this time of year.